Reflections On HopeÀpẹrẹ

Faithful people are like trees that grow beside a river where their roots extend deep to where there is a continuous source of water to sustain them. We, who are faithful people are not immune to the heat and adversity of life, but we are assured that we will overcome life’s challenges when we put our faith and trust in God, for He is the source of living water, a very present help in the time of trouble (drought) and our refuge and strength in times of weakness.

Verse 7 begins with “But …”, a conjunction signalling a contrast in which living a life of faithfulness to God is compared to a life that trusts only in human strength and ability (vv. 5-6). Jeremiah says a life that trusts only in human ability is like a shrub that lives in the desert. It is stunted and has no hope for survival for any length of time.

Trusting completely in the Lord necessarily implies walking closely with Him – allowing His presence to soak into our hearts and standing firm on His Word. When you place your confidence in God, you become confident, for you know that God is in control.

Trusting God does not mean that you are in denial, but that you have placed an issue before God, and you have faith in Him to work it out on your behalf.

We have nothing to fear when we trust God. We do not have to worry about heat or drought, nor be afraid when tough times arise, for God has promised that our leaves will be always green and we shall continuously prosper because our hope is in our Creator and our Provider, not in humans nor in this world.

Trusting in God and the promises of God causes us to never fail to bear fruit. Keeping the commands of the Most High gives us life and protection from drought. Trust in the Source, our Creator, from whom flows abundant life and the provision of all our needs. Do not trust in human beings, because they can fail us, but God will never fail those who trust in Him.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 contain beautiful words of wisdom, promise and knowledge. Today, take courage and stand on the Word of the Lord, and be blessed!